These leashes have gained popularity mainly due to the fact that they’re not as restricting as normal leashes. This lets your dog sniff, poke and wander around more whilst still in your control. Sadly, there are numerous negatives to using this leash.

Retractable leashes are popular primarily because they aren’t as confining as regular leashes, allowing dogs more freedom to sniff and poke around on walks. But unfortunately, there are many downsides to this type of leash such as the following:

The leash length can be as long as 8 metres, letting your dog get a long way from you, far away enough for a scenario to turn nasty. Your dog might be able to make contact with other dogs and people or even run into the road.

If your dog is getting close to an aggressive dog, it’s virtually impossible to regain control quickly and your dog may get hurt as a result. If you use a standard two metre lead, you have total control of every situation and can easily protect your beloved pet.

It’s very easy for a retractable leash to break, particularly if your dog is strong. That can put him and the other dog both in jeopardy. If he takes off using his strength and speed, the leash may snap or it could jerk back and hit you with some force.

If you’re walking your dog and you get tangled up in the retractable leash, or you grab it to try and pull your dog back to you, you can suffer from cuts, burns and even a nasty fall which may cause road rash, broken bones, sprained ankles and worse. You may face an amputation.

Lots of dogs face horrible injuries because their neck is suddenly jerked when they get to the end of the leash. They may have neck injuries, a lacerated trachea and spinal damage.

The longer leash lets the dog pull more and that may look aggressive to other dogs who could choose to fight with them as a result of the misunderstanding.

The handles are quite bulky and, because of this, may be pulled out of the walker’s hand, thereby letting the dog roam free.

Some dogs (especially nervous ones) can feel scared if the handle is dropped and may run off in fright, causing a dangerous scenario.

What’s even worse, if the leash handle (the thing the dog is scared of) is “chasing him” and the leash retracts, the handle gains ground and the dog can’t get away. Although it may not cause physical damage, it may cause a lingering fear of leashes and walks.

If your dog is smart enough, gentle and well trained when using a standard lead, you may be able to use a retractable one without any danger to you, your dog or anybody else.

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